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UNITED STATES OP AMERICA. 



THE 



3773. v4i 





A BOOK OF PRAYERS 



FOB 



Every Day in the Week and for Special Occasions. 



EDITED BT 



KEY. HEMAISr LINCOLN, D.D, 



BOSTON: 
D. LOTHROP & CO., Publishers, 

38 AND 40 CORNHILL. 

DOVEB, N. H. : G. T. DAY & CO. 

I87I. 

C/ 






Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1870, by 

D. LOTHROP & CO., 
In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 



Rockwell & Churchill, Printers, Boston. 



THE QUIET HOUR. 



■•o*- 



SUNDAT MORNINa. 

Thou that hearest prayer, give ear to 
my prayer that goeth not forth out of 
feigned lips. I thank Thee for the return 
of the Sabbath, the day of rest and worship. 
May Thy presence overshadow me, and Thy 
love fill my heart with joy and praise. With 
the light of this morning, lift upon me the 
light of Thy countenance. In Thy light 
may I see light. Open my eyes that I may 
see wondrous things out of Thy law. May 
I feed on Thy word, and grow strong, and 
love it more than fine gold. Help me to 
worship Thee in the beauty of holiness, and 
know that all my springs are in Thee. 

Lead me to the assemblies of Thy saints, 

3 



4 THE QUIET HOUR. 

and fill me with love for Thy house and the 
place where Thine honor dwelleth. Reveal 
Thy power and glory so as I have seen Thee 
in the sanctuary, that my heart may praise 
Thee with joyful lips. 

Be gracious unto Thy people, as they meet 
for praise and prayer. Satisfy the longing 
soul, and fill the hungry with goodness. 
Let Thy work appear unto Thy servants, and 
Thy glory unto their children. Let Thy sal- 
vation be nigh, that glory may dwell in our 
land. Through the greatness of Thy power 
may Thine enemies submit themselves unto 
Thee, and may all the ends of the earth see 
the salvation of our God. 

Be pleased to blot out mine iniquities, 
Lord, and may I know the blessedness of 
him whose transgressions are forgiven, and 
whose heart the blood of Jesus has cleansed 
from all sin. May the hours of the day be 
filled with holy service ; and may the words 
of my mouth and the meditations of my 
heart be acceptable in Thy sight. All which 
great blessings I ask in the name and 



THE QUIET HOUR. 5 

through the merits of the Redeemer, who 
rose on this day, and ascended to His throne 
to be a Mediator for His people. Amen. 





SUNDAY EVEHINa. 

I THANK Thee, Lord, for the rest and 
peace of another Sabbath. It has been 
filled with Thy goodness, and Thy paths 
have dropped fatness. I have sat under 
Thy shadow with great delight, and Thy 
fruit has been sweet unto my taste. Thou 
hast put gladness in my heart more than others 
have known when their corn and their wine 
increased. I have been unto the altar of God, 
my exceeding joy. I have thought of Thy 
loving-kindness in the midst of Thy temple, 
and my soul has been satisfied with marrow 
and fatness. 

May the good influences of the day abide 
with me, giving a larger knowledge of Thy 
word, making my heart more devout, and 
my life more holy. Grant me grace to pay 
the vows my lips have uttered. Give me 
understanding to know Thy law, and observe 



THE QUIET HOUR. T 

it with all my heart. May it be a lamp 
unto my feet and a light unto my path. 
Hold up my goings in Thy path, that my 
footsteps slip not. May I set my face, like 
a flint, to keep Thy statutes. 

Follow with Thy blessing all efforts to 
spread Thy truth to-day. Save Thy people, 
Lord, and bless Thy heritage. Water the 
seed sown. May those that have sown in 
tears reap in joy. May careless hearers 
be awakened, and mourners comforted, and 
inquirers be led to the cross of Christ. Give 
a banner to them that fear Thee, that all 
may see it, and be won to righteousness. 
Convert the heathen, Lord. Let the day- 
spring from on high visit them, to give light 
to them that sit in darkness, and in the 
shadow of death, and guide their feet into 
the way of peace. 

And now, Lord, help me to lie down to 
rest, knowing that Thou makest me dwell in 
safety. Accept my thanks for Thy mercies, 
my penitence for my sins, and strengthen 
my longings for Thy service. May the peace 



8 



THE QUIET HOUR. 



of God that passeth understanding keep my 
heart and mind in Christ Jesus, to whom 
with Thyself and the Holy Spirit be praise 
and glory forever. Amen. 




MONDAY MORNINa. 

Lord, my God, Thou art very great, 
who clothes t Thyself with honor and maj- 
esty. The hosts of heaven veil their faces 
as they bow before Thee : I would draw near 
with reverence and devout humility. I 
thank Thee for the rest of the night and the 
beauty of the morning; for the pleasant 
eights of the world, and for countless mer- 
cies that gladden the heart. 

Help me to begin the day with Thee. Let 
Thy presence lead me, as the pillar of cloud 
and fire guided Israel in the desert. I ac- 
knowledge Thy ownership. I am Thine by 
creation, and by redemption. May I live to 
Thee in the humbler as well as the greater 
duties of life ; that whether I eat or drink, 
or whatsoever I do, all may be done to Thy 
glory. Instruct me and teach me in the 
way that I should go ; guide me with Thine 



10 THE QUIET HOUR. 

eyes. Hold back my feet from every evil 
way, that I may keep Thy statutes. 

Teach me to live not for myself, but for 
others : to sympathize with the suffering : 
to feed the hungry : to succor the tempted : 
to cheer the desponding, and lead troubled 
souls to Jesus. May my words and exam- 
ple strengthen Thy people, and provoke 
them to love and good works. 

Lord, I am weak, be Thou my strength. 
Go with me, as I go forth to the labors and 
trials of the day. Endue me with wisdom 
to discern the right, with patience to en- 
dure trials, with strength to overcome evil. 
What time I am afraid, may I put my trust 
in Thee, and know that Thy grace will help 
to the uttermost. Save me from great sins, 
into which so many have fallen. Save me 
from presumptuous sins, into which pride 
and self-confidence may betray me. Save 
me from secret sins, which corrupt the soul, 
and shut out the light of Thy countenance. 
Keep me pure in heart, upright in aim, and 
steadfast in purpose. In all my ways may 



THE QUIET HOUR. 11 

I acknowledge Thee, that Thou mayest 
direct my steps. 

Help me to-day, and every day, to grow 
in knowledge and piety. May Thy love 
draw me closer to Thee, and Thy chastening 
wean me from the world, and Thy grace 
enable me to live to good purpose. And 
when this life is finished, may an abundant 
entrance be ministered into the kingdom of 
our Lord Jesus Christ ; to whom with the 
Father and the Holy Spirit be glory and 
praise forever and ever. Amen. 





MONDAY EVENINa. 

Another day has borne witness to Thy 
goodness, God, and with grateful heart I 
acknowledge Thy benefits. Thou hast fed 
me and clothed me, and kept me as I went 
out and came in. Thy creation has 'rav- 
ished me with its beauty ; Thy laws, with 
their majestic order and harmony, have filled 
me with adoring wonder ; and Thy love and 
mercy pervade my soul with a sweet peace. 
In the multitude of Thy thoughts towards 
me, Thy comforts delight my soul. 

Hide Thy face from my sins ; blot out all 

my iniquities. Wherein, in thought or word 

or action, I have ofiended Thy pure eye, 

pity the weakness and pardon the guilt. 

Wherein high aims have not been reached, 

or good purposes carried out. have tender 

compassion and forgive. Wherein cowardice 

has been shown in shrinking from right, or 

12 



THE QUIET HOUR. 13 

failing to reprove wrong ; where selfishness 
has closed the heart and made me thoug^^t- 
less for others, — have mercy on me a sin- 
ner. I confess my transgressions: they are 
more than can be numbered. Let the blood 
of Jesus Christ cleanse and heal me. 

Strengthen me to lead a blameless and 
holy life. Burdened with the world's du- 
ties and careSj pressed by its griefs and tri- 
als, its follies and its sins, may I learn daily 
that my home is above, where Christ sitteth 
at the right hand of God. May my treasure 
be there, and my heart also. May I be 
cheerful in disappointment, patient under 
losses, and diligent in labor. May I never 
murmur at Thy providences, nor resist Thy 
will. And now as darkness spreads over 
the earth, and flowers close their leaves, and 
birds fold their wings, and beasts lie down 
to rest, may I sink to sleep in peace, know- 
ing that Thou keepest guard over my pillow, 
for He that keepeth Israel doth not slumber. 
Watch over me that the pulses of life fail 
not; and wake me again with the returning 



14 



THE QUIET HOUR. 



dawn, to live with more singleness of heart 
to Thy glory. Hear this, my evening 
prayer, for Jesus' sake. Amen. 




TUESDAY MORNIUa. 

Lord, my Lord, how excellent is Thy 
name in all the earth ! All thy works praise 
Thee, and Thy saints bless Thee. Thou 
art good and doest good, and the world is 
full of Thy riches. I would call on my soul 
and all that is within me to bless and mag- 
nify Thy name. My voice shalt Thou hear 
in the morning, and to Thee will I look up. 

1 thank Thee for the gift of reason to 

know Thee, of affections to love Thee, and a 

will to obey Thee. I thank Thee that Thou 

hast made me in Thine image, and that I 

can be satisfied only when I awake in Thy 

likeness. Blessed be Thy name that the 

lines have fallen to me in pleasant places 

and I have a goodly heritage. I thank 

Thee for birth in a Christian land, for a 

Christian home from childhood, for early 

instruction in the family, and the Sabbath 

school, and the sanctuary. I thank Thee 

15 



16 THE QUIET HOUR. 

for Thy word, with its precepts and invita- 
tions and promises, a light shining in a dark 
place. I thank Thee for the wonderful love 
that gave Thine only begotten Son to die for 
sinners, and for pardon and eternal life 
through Him. I thank Thee for the gift of 
the Spirit to change sinful hearts, and make 
them a pure temple for His abode. I thank 
Thee for the hope that my heart has been 
changed, and my sins pardoned, and a new 
life begun in me. that men would praise 
the Lord for His goodness, for His wonder- 
ful works to the children of men ! 

What shall I render to Thee for Thy 
goodness ! All I have is of Thee, and only 
of Thine own can I give Thee. But, grate- 
ful for Thy love and favor, I yield myself 
without reserve to Thy service. Be pleased 
to accept the offering, though unworthy. 
Help me to glorify Thee by bearing much 
fruit. May I love Thy law, and make it my 
meditation all the day. May I keep my 
tongue from evil, and my lips from speaking 
guile. May I have respect unto all Thy 



THE QUIET HOUR. 17 

commandments, and find it my meat and 
drink to do Thy will. May my mouth 
show forth Thy righteousness and Thy sal- 
vation all the day. May I esteem Thy yoke 
easy and Thy burden light, and make Thy 
statutes my song in the house of my pil- 
grimage. 

But I am weak, Lord, and fail to do 
the things that I would. Grant me strength 
to keep the vows my lips have uttered. May 
Thy goodness lead me to repentance, and 
Thy grace bring me at last to Thyself, 
where I can praise and serve Thee with a 
pure heart, world without end. Amen. 
2 




TUESDAY EVENINa. 

God, Most High and Holy, help me 
to approach Thee with reverence and godly 
fear ! The heavens are unclean in Thy 
sight, and Thou chargest Thine angels with 
folly. How can a sinner approach Thee, 
and take Thy name on sinful lips ! I 
thank Thee that Jesus Christ is the media- 
tor between God and man, and through 
Him even sinners, like me, may come with 
confidence to the throne of grace for mercy 
and help. For His sake look on me to- 
night, and hear my prayer. 

my God, what can I say unto Thee ! 
My sins are many and great : sins of 
thought and word ; sins of neglect and 
disobedience ; sins of ingratitude and rebel- 
lion ; secret and open sins. If I should 
count them, they are more in number than 

18 



THE QUIET HOUR. 19 

tlie sands. I mourn over my weakness ; I 
am overwhelmed by a sense of guilt. I 
cannot make recompense to Thee for past 
failures. I cannot hope to keep from sin in 
the future. God, I humble myself be- 
fore Thee. The whole head is sick, and 
the whole heart faint. What I would, I do 
not, and what I would not, that I do. 
Have mercy on me, so helpless and guilty ! 
Thou knowest my frame, and rememberest I 
am but dust. There is forgiveness with Thee 
that Thou mayest be feared. Thy mercy is 
great unto the heavens, and Thy faithfulness 
above the clouds. Show Thy marvellous 
loving-kindness, Thou that savest them 
who put their trust in Thee. Have mercy upon 
me, according to Thy loving-kindness, and 
according to the multitude of Thy tender 
mercies, blot out my transgressions. 

Bow down Thy ear to hear, God, for 
I am poor and needy. Make haste, God, to 
deliver me, for I cry unto Thee with my 
whole heart. For Jesus' sake, who died on 
Calvary, pardon my sins, for they are very 



20 THE QUIET HOUR. 

great. For Jesus' sake, grant me a clean 
heart, and renew within me a right spirit. 
For Jesus' sake, restore unto me the joy 
of Thy salvation, and uphold me with Thy 
free spirit. For Jesus' sake, destroy in me 
the love of sinning, and help me to over- 
come all evil. May I know to-night the 
blessedness of him whose transojressions are 
forgiven, whose sins are covered. May I 
sink to sleep, having the peace that passeth 
understanding to keep my heart and mind 
in Christ Jesus. 

God, these are great mercies to ask, 
but Thou hast encouraged me to ask great 
things. For Jesus' sake, Thy well-beloved 
Son, hear and forgive ; hearken and do ; 
defer not, for Thine own sake, my God ; 
and to the Triune God, Father, Son, and 
Holy Spirit, shall be praise and glory, for- 
ever and ever. Amen. 




WEDNESDAY MOMINa. 

Lord, my God, another morning calls 
to praise and prayer. Inspire my heart 
with love, and tune my lips to praise. The 
world waking into beauty, and its innumer- 
able creatures in air, and land, and sea, 
testify to Thy creative power and goodness. 
The heavens declare Thy glory, and the 
firmament showeth Thy handiwork. I 
would join my voice with the great chorus 
of nature in thanksgiving unto Thee. 

1 bless Thee for Thy word, revealing Thy 

character, and law, and purposes to men. 

May I understand its teachings, and hide 

its truths in my heart, to bring forth fruit 

in the life. I bless Thee for the gift of 

Thy Son to save a lost world ; for the sweet 

story of the manger, the garden, and the 

cross. May He dwell in my heart by faith 

21 



22 THE QUIET HOUR. 

May I trust in Him only for salvation, giv- 
ing up all confidence in self. May he be 
my great example, in submission to Thy 
will, and in forgetfulness of self and labor 
for the good of others. 

May His cause prosper, and all men be 
won to His love and service. Give divine 
energy to all agencies at work for this end. 
May missionaries rejoice in seeing heathen 
nations turning from idols to the incarnate 
Saviour. May ministers in Christian lands 
exult in the power of the cross to subdue 
the enmity of the heart, and to bow the 
worldly and the vicious at the feet of Jesus. 
May Thy word be translated into all human 
tongues, be read in all homes, and its 
power be felt in all hearts. Kindle zeal in 
Thy churches, that Thy people may be 
strong in faith and diligent in labor, know- 
ing that the redemption of the world draw- 
eth nigh. 

Give special grace to all who have special 
needs. Heal the sick ; comfort the be- 
reaved ; let the promises of Thy word 



THE QUIET HOUR. 23 

cheer the desponding. Feed the poor , and raise 
up friends for the widow and the father- 
less. Awaken careless sinners, subdue the 
stubborn, and reveal a pardoning Saviour 
to souls burdened with a sense of guilt. 

And now go forth with me, I beseech 
Thee, to the duties of a new day. Guard 
from temptation, succor in peril, and keep 
my soul in perfect peace because stayed on 
Thee. May the day begin and end with 
Thee. All these blessings I ask in the 
prevailing name of Him who loved me and 
gave Himself for me; and to Him, with 
Thyself and the Holy Spirit, the One and 
Triune God, be glory forever. Amen. 




WEDNESDAY EVENING. 

God, the High and Holy One, hear 
my prayer. Teach me how to pray, and let 
the Spirit intercede within me with groan- 
ings that cannot be uttered. Each day 
bears witness to Thy goodness and to my 
sins. If I look at thy mercies, they are 
more than can be numbered. If I consider 
my sins, they are more than the sand on the 
sea-shore. 

1 began this day with thoughts of Thee, 
with longings to be holy in life, and fruitful 
in service. The review of its hours fills me 
with sadness. Alas ! for my wanderings, my 
forgetfulness of Thee, my pride, and fretful- 
ness, and impatience, my many sins of heart 
and tongue. My heart turns so easily to 
the world, and envies those who prosper 
and have all that heart can wish. It is 

24 



THE QUIET HOUR. 25 

of Thy mercy that I am not consumed, be- 
cause Thy compassions fail not. 

My heart is sad, God, because the 
world is full of sin. It lies in the wicked 
One, and his devices lead men astray. The 
heathen sit in darkness and bow down to 
idols. In Christian lands men cast off fear 
and restrain prayer. In Thy churches the 
form of godliness beguiles without the power. 
The wicked boast and cry. Where is the 
promise of His coming ? 

But yet, God, Thy promises are sure, 
and not one tittle of Thy word shall fail. 
Send abroad Thy light and Thy truth. 
Scatter the darkness of heathenism, and let 
the Sun of righteousness arise with healing 
in his wings. Through the greatness of 
Thy power, let thine enemies submit them- 
selves to Thee. Make Thy people willing 
in the day of Thy power ; in holy garments 
and with the dew of youth, may they go 
forth to service. . Let Jesus see of the travail 
of His soul and be satisfied. Thou, with 
whom is all might and majesty, gird Thy 



26 THE QUIET HOUR. 

sword upon thy thigh, and ride forth to 
victory. Let the ends of the earth see the 
salvation of our Grod. Let i^ars and op- 
pression cease ; overthrow superstition and 
error ; let vice be subdued by love to Jesus. 

God, this earth is Thine ; come and take 
possession, and reign in all hearts. 

Help me to pray for such ends, and may 

1 labor that my prayers may be fulfilled. 
Let Thy Spirit reign in me. to make me 
holy and useful. And when life, with its 
struggles and sins, is over, may I have some 
humble place among Thy people on high, 
and see Thee face to face. In Jesus' name I 
ask these great blessings ; and to the Triune 
God, Father, Son, and Spirit, be praises ever- 
more. Amen. 




THURSDAY MOENINa. 

Infinite and ever-blessed God, I adore 
Thee as the Creator of all things, and the 
fountain of all life and joy. Thou hast 
made everything beautiful in its season. The 
warmth of the sun, the fruitfulness of the 
earth, the beauty of the flowers, the pleasant- 
ness of fruit, are all from Thee. Thine is 
the glory of the heavens. Thine the wonders 
that fill the universe. The day is Thine, 
the night also is Thine. In Thee every 
living thing moves and has its being. All 
wait on Thee, and Thou givest them meat in 
due season. Such knowledge is too wonderful 
for me ; it is high, I cannot attain unto it. 

I bow before Thee, God, in profound 
adoration, lost in wonder at the greatness of 
Thy works. If the creation is so vast, inex- 
haustible in richeSj what must the Creator 

27 



28 THE QUIET HOUR. 

be ! If such are Thy works, what art Thou, 
the wise and loving Maker ! God, I can- 
not by searching find Thee out. I cannot see 
Thee in the stars, nor hear Thee in the wind. 
Thou hidest Thyself in the thick darkness. 
But I thank Thee, my God, that Thou 
art not far off even from me. Thou hast 
revealed Thyself in Thy word, and in Thy 
Son. While the heaven of heavens cannot 
contain Thee, Thou dost dwell in the hum- 
ble and contrite heart. I thank Thee that 
Thou hast come into my heart, cleansing it 
from sin, subduing its enmity, and filling it 
with love. I am dumb with wonder at 
thy love. How can I find words to sing 
Thy praise ? A guilty sinner Thou hast 
pardoned. A lost soul Thou hast recovered. 
A hard heart Thou hast made tender. A 
rebellious will Thou hast won. God, I 
am Thine. Thou hast drawn me to Thyself. 
Thy Spirit teaches me to cry Abba, Father. 
He leads me ; and my heart, once stubborn, 
now willingly obeys. Thy po^w^er, God, 
has wrought this wonderful change, through 



THE QUIET HOUR. 29 

Thy beloved Son, and Thine shall be all the 
glory. 

I thank Thee for the wonderful hopes 
begotten within me. Thou wilt one day 
take me to Thyself. Thou wilt bring me 
off more than conqueror over the sins of 
my own heart, and the power of the great 
tempter. Thou wilt make me heir to the 
blessedness of Christ my Saviour. I shall 
be ever with Him, be like Him, and see Him 
as He is. Having such hopes, God, 
through the marvellous riches of thy grace, 
help me with faith and patience to wait for 
the end, looking unto Jesus. May my 
affections be set on things above, where my 
treasures are. May I bear with resignation 
all trials, knowing'that through them Thou 
art preparing me for heaven. 

Thou who hast loved me, and called 
me, and made me Thy child, keep me even 
to the end, through riches of grace in Christ 
Jesus, and with the company of the re- 
deemed, I will praise Thee forever. Amen. 



THURSDAY EVENINa. 

God J be pleased to hear my evening 
prayer. Another day is ended, the shadows 
of night have fallen, and I would close the 
day with Thee. Draw near unto me, and 
fill my heart with Thy peace. 

1 thank Thee for the mercies of the day. 
Every hour has borne witness to Thy love. 
Thy hand has led me. Thy power sustained 
me, and Thy grace kept me from falling. 
For food and clothing, for health, and shel- 
ter, and friends, I thank Thee ; for vigor of 
body to labor, for powers of thought and 
speech, for affections which give joy to life, 
I thank Thee. Thy constant goodness calls 
for constant gratitude and love. I mourn 
that my cold heart is so slow to feel, and my 
lips so slow to utter praise. 

But above all, to-night, I thank Thee 

30 



THE QUIET HOUR. 31 

for my hope in Christ Jesus, my Lord. 
How patiently didst Thou bear with me, 
and wait for me during years of sinning ! I 
walked in my own ways, and sought my own 
pleasure. I cast off fear and restrained 
prayer. I said in my heart, Depart from 
me, for I desire not a knowledge of Thy 
ways. But Thou, God, in the multitude 
of Thy mercies, didst pity me. Thou didst 
open my blind eyes to see my guilt and 
danger. Thou didst unloose my tongue to 
cry for mercy. And in my despair Thou 
didst reveal the cross, and I saw a dying 
Saviour to be my only hope, and trusted in 
Him for salvation. 

The memory of that hour is still precious. 
A new song was put into my mouth, which 
has never lost its sweetness. I thank Thee 
that Jesus is now to me the chiefest of ten 
thousand, altogether lovely. I love Him 
because He first loved me. I desire no other 
Saviour. , I trust no other helj)er. I wish 
no other life than he marks out for me. If 
Jesus is mine, I need no other riches. If 



82 THE QUIET HOUR. 

Jesus is mine, I need no other joy. Help 
me to love Him more, and to make known 
His salvation* to others. 

I pray Thee, Holy Father, hasten His 
final triumph. Let Him see of the travail 
of His soul and be satisfied. Let His cross 
win all hearts to love Him. Let heathen 
nations flock to Him. Let Christian lands 
serve Him. Let Him rule in all hearts in 
earth as in heaven. 

And now, God, be pleased to keep me 
through the night. May I lie down to 
sleep in peace, because Thou makest me 
dwell in safety. Bless my family, remem- 
ber my friends, and have mercy on a lost 
world ; for Jesus' sake. Amen. 



FRIDAY MOENINa. 

God, I adore Thee as the King eternal, 
invisible, the only wise God, dwelling in 
light unto which no man can approach. 
Thou art glorious in holiness, fearful in 
praises, a God doing wonders. What is 
man, that Thou art mindful of him, or the 
Son of man, that Thou visitest him ? 

But I praise Thee, God, for the dis- 
tinguished honor Thou hast put on man in 
creating him in Thine own image, after Thy 
likeness ; and in giving him dominion over 
the works of Thy hands, and putting all 
things under his feet. I praise Thee for 
Thy wonderful grace, that when man had 
fallen into sin and forfeited Thy favor, Thou 
didst not leave him to despair, like lost 
angels, but didst provide a way of escape 

and salvation by Jesus Christ. I thank 
3 33 



34 THE QUIET HOUR. 

Thee that Jesus took on Him our nature, to 
recover it from ruin; and in that nature 
obeyed the law, and suffered on the cross, 
lay in the grave, and rose from the dead, 
and ascended to His throne. I thank Thee 
that the race, ruined by sin, is raised to 
higher glory through the Redeemer, and 
that the corrupt nature is made holy and 
blessed by an eternal union with the divine 
nature, after the likeness of Christ. 

God, how wonderful is the grace that 
confers such favors on guilty sinners ! What 
manner of love Thou hast shown in calling 
us the Sons of God ! But Thou hast greater 
gifts in reserve. We know not yet what we 
shall be, but we know that when Jesus shall 
appear, we shall be like Him. God, I 
thank Thee, with devout wonder, for Beth- 
lehem and Gethsemane and Calvary, and I 
wait, with eager hope, for the completion of 
Thy purposes of grace, when Thou shalt 
gather together the whole family of earth 
and heaven, and shalt display unto prin- 
cipalities and powers in heavenly places 



THE QUIET HOUR. 35 

the manifold riches of Thy wisdom and 
grace. What condescension, God, is 
Thine, in giving such prospects to a worm 
of the dust, in inspiring such hopes in a 
pardoned sinner ! I will praise Thee on 
earth with joyful lips, and in heaven will 
adore Thee with devout thanksgiving. 

I thank Thee that pardoned sinners are 
called to be laborers with Thee, to win other 
sinners to love Jesus. May I count it my 
highest honor to be a worker for God. May 
I be made wise to win souls. May I know 
on earth something of the joy of heaven 
over converted sinners. And may I meet in 
heaven, at last, some saved by Thy blessing 
on my words and prayers. Oh, make all Thy 
people diligent in labor, and prevailing in 
prayer, knowing that the redemption of the 
world draweth nigh. I offer every petition 
in the name and through the merits of Jesus 
my Saviour. Amen. 



FRIDAY EVENINa. 

Unto Thee lift I mine eyes, Thou 
that dwellest in the heavens. Be merciful 
unto me, and hear my prayer. I thank 
Thee that Thou hast appointed a throne of 
grace, to which Thy people may come to 
obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time 
of need. All my springs are in Thee. 
Without Thee I can do nothing. My wis- 
dom is folly and my strength weakness. 
By Thy favor only does my mountain 
stand strong. If Thou dost not hold me 
up, I fall. 

I thank Thee for the record in Thy word 

of the prayers of Thy people : that Jacob 

wrestled and prevailed ; and Moses was very 

bold in pleading for the sins of Israel ; and 

David found forgiveness after his great 

guilt; and by the petition of Elijah the 

8G 



THE QUIET HOUR. 37 

heavens were opened and shut... May I 
learn how to pray like them, and prevail. 

I am weak and wavering ; oh, lead me to 
the rock that is higher than I. I am igno- 
rant, knowing not what a day may bring 
forth. Do Thou, who seest the end from 
the beginning, guide me, and keep my feet 
from falling. I am unwise, longing for 
things that are harmful, and shrinking from 
trials that are wholesome. Oh, help me to 
commit my way unto Thee, beseeching 
Thee to direct my steps. I am guilty, my 
life is full of errors, and my heart is full 
of sin. Purge Thou me, and I shall be 
clean ; wash me, and I shall be whiter than 
snow. Give me that reverent and trusting 
spirit which prays without ceasing, thank- 
ing Thee for every mercy, seeking help for 
every duty, and imploring succor when 
temptation presses. May my heart go out 
to Thee in the street, no less than in the 
closet ; at my work, as well as in the great 
congregation. 

Give Thy people more of the spirit of 



38 THE QUIET HOUR. 

• 

prayer. . May they expect great things, 
worthy of an infinite God, and ask, never 
doubting. May the promises of Thy word 
cheer them, and the knowledge of Thy pur- 
poses and Thy power beget in them the 
spirit of strong supplication. May the sick 
find support in prayer; and the bereaved, 
consolation ; and the tempted, succor ; and 
the troubled conscience, rest. And now, 
God, hear my evening prayer, and when 
Thou hearest, answer and forgive and bless, 
for the sake of Jesus, whose, name is my 
only plea. Amen. 




SATUKDAT MORNING. 

God, Thy loving-kindness is great to 
the children of men. Therefore they put 
their trust in the shadow of Thy wings. 
There is no limit to Thy power, and Thy 
love passes thought. I am filled with won- 
der at the vastness of Thy works. The 
heavens are crowded with stars, moving in 
order and majesty. The earth and the sea 
are filled with living creatures, formed by 
Thy wisdom and sustained by Thy power. 
I am lost in amazement at the extent of 
creation, and tremble lest in the multitude 
of Thy cares the interests of man may be 
overlooked. God, what is man, that 
thou art mindful of him ? 

But Thou dost take away all fear by the 

assurance that Thou art present everywhere ; 

that not the humblest of Thy creatures is 

39 



40 THE QUIET HOUR. 

forgotten, and the very hairs of my head 
are numbered. God, I thank Thee that 
Thou hast made me capable of knowing and 
enjoying Thy works ; that the beauty of 
the universe charms me, and its sublimities 
awe me, and the harmony of its laws gives 
me joy and peace. I thank Thee that, bet- 
ter than all Thy works. Thou givest me 
Thyself to know and love. I thank Thee 
that Thou hast shined in my heart, to give 
the light of the knowledge of the glory of 
God, in the face of Jesus Christ. I thank 
Thee for the hope that I, a pardoned sinner, 
may beconje a partaker of the divine nature, 
through the redemption of Christ Jesus. 
I thank Thee for the witness of Thy Spirit 
within me, that I am born of God, and that 
Thou hast called me by grace to be one of 
Thy children. I thank Thee that Jesus 
dwells in my heart by faith, and fills it 
with hopes of future glory. 

God, how unsearchable are the riches 
of Thy mercy, conferring such favors on a 
rebellious race ! Thy works are wonderful. 



k 



THE QUIET HOUR. 41 

but Thy love, manifested in redemption, is 
far greater. Help me to adore and love. 
May Thy goodness lead me to repentance. 
May Thy mercy inspire willing obedience. 
May I not be as the horse or the mule, 
whose mouth must be held in with bit and 
bridle, but may I run with ready feet in the 
path of Thy testimonies. God, I am 
Thine, made by Thy power, purchased by 
a Saviour's death, created anew by Thy 
Spirit. Oh, keep me, and bring me at last to 
Thyself, where I shall see Thee face to 
face, and know Thee as Thou art. For 
Jesus' sake I ask it. Amen. 




SATITEDAY EVENlNa. 

The close of another week, God, brings 
me to Thy mercy-seat, to give thanks for 
Thy goodness, to confess my sins, to seek 
Thy pardon and peace. Thou hast led me, 
and kept me, and blessed me, and Thy mer- 
cies have been numberless. I have laid 
myself down and slept, and awaked because 
Thou sustainedst me. I have gone forth to 
the duties of the day, and returned at night, 
because Thy hand warded off danger. I 
have eaten Thy food, and breathed Thine 
air, and trod Thine earth, and found joy 
among Thy creatures. Above all. Thy 
Word has given me light. I have had hope 
in Thy Son. Thy Spirit has led and com- 
forted me ; and I have found sweet pleasure 
in communing with Thy people. I ac- 
knowledge Thy goodness, Lord, and my 

mouth shall praise Thee with joyful lips. 

42 



THE QUIET HOUR. 43 

But I must humble myself, and make 
confession of my many sins, — sins of the life 
and sins of the heart. I have thought too 
much of self and too little of Thee. I have 
sought my joy too much in Thy creatures 
and too little in Thyself I have longed 
more for success in life than for growth in 
grace. My prayers have been languid and 
my faith weak. My heart has not panted 
after Thee, nor have I searched Thy Word 
eagerly, as for hid treasure. I have not 
felt the greatness of Thy salvation, nor 
labored to make it known to others. I am 
filled with shame that the week has borne 
so little fruit to Thy glory, and that I have 
done so little in subduing my sins, or en- 
couraging Thy people, or reclaiming sinners. 
God, my life seems so useless, and is so 
rapidly passing by, I am humbled and filled 
with remorse. The life of Jesus, submis- 
sive, obedient, spent in doing good, begets 
in me despair. The lives of apostles and 
martyrs, heroic in suffering, abundant in 



44 THE QUIET HOUR. 

labors, make me feel unworthy the name of 
Christian. 

But I have often had such penitence and 
shame and remorse, stirring new purposes, 
which passed away like the morning cloud 
and the early dew. Unless Thy grace 
prevent, it will be so again. Lamb of. 
God, keep me near Thy side. Let Thy 
love rouse from sluggishness, and constrain 
to service. Holy Spirit, take full pos- 
session of my heart, that my thoughts and 
affections and aims may be holy. The 
Sabbath is at hand ; I delight in its coming. 
May its dawn find me rejoicing in the Lord, 
and may its hours be given to devout 
thought and holy service. May it be a 
day in which the salvation of the Lord shall 
go forth out of Zion, and converts flock to 
Jesus, as doves to their windows. 

Hear my prayer, God, and let my 
soul find rest in Thee, for Jesus' sake. 
Amen. 



PRAYER IN SICKNESS. 

God, my life is in Thy hands. It was 
Thy gift : it continues by Thy favor. I 
have no power to guard it in sleeping or 
waking hours. I thank Thee that Thou 
hast spared it so long, though I have spent 
it so unworthily. I thank Thee that health 
has been so constant, giving me strength for 
duty and joy in labor. 

And now, God, that Thy providence 
brings me to a sick-bed, I would not mur- 
mur. I dare not repine. I need chastening. 
My wayward heart needs the rod to drive 
it to Thee. I need to feel how short life 
is, and how useless unless spent in Thy 
service. 

God, I accept humbly this stroke as 

appointed by Thy love. I do not wish to 

die, unless Thou ordainest it. I pray for 

45 



46 THE QUIET HOUR. 

recovery, if it please Thee, with wiser views 
and larger grace for a holy life. I long to 
be of some service in the world, in saving 
sinners, and helping Thy people. I long to 
live in the world, with a daily victory over 
sin, looking unto Jestrs the Author and 
Finisher of my faith. I long to live, with a 
glowing love to Thee ; like Enoch, walking 
with God on earth ; anticipating in the flesh 
the joy of heaven. Oh, spare me if it be Thy 
will, to recover strength, before I go hence 
and be no more ! 

Support me in sickness. Make me 
patient in suffering and cheerful in weak- 
ness. Let Thy word be in my heart and on 
my tongue. May its truths open to me, 
and its promises comfort me. May my com- 
munion with Thee be constant and sweet. 
Help me to glorify Thee more in my sick- 
ness than I have done in my life. 

And if this sickness be unto death, may I 
not murmur nor fear. May I have such views 
of the love of Jesus for me, and the com- 
pleteness of His atoning work, that my soul 



THE QUIET HOUR. 47 

shall be in perfect peace. May Thy light 
shine upon the dark valley, that I shall not 
tremble in walking through it. And when 
the body sinks to death, Redeemer of 
my soul, who hast loved me, and given 
Thyself for me, complete the work begun, in 
a final triumph over death and sin, and take 
me to Thyself in the world of holiness and 
glory, where I may praise forever the won- 
ders of Thy grace. Amen. 




PBATER FOR SICKNESS IN THE FAMILY. 

God, Thy word teaches that man is 
born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. 
Sickness, pain, sorrow, and death come in 
turn to all. But all are by Thine appoint- 
ment ; affliction cometh not forth of the dust, 
nor doth trouble spring out of the ground. 
Thou dost appoint them as chastening for 
sin, and as a discipline to wean from the 
world and lead to holiness. 

Be pleased to draw near to our household 
at this time. Thou hast permitted sickness 
to lay low one of our number. The issues 
of life and death are with Thee. Be mer- 
ciful to us and hear our prayer, that the 
sickness be not unto death, if consistent 
with Thy will. Let disease be stayed by 
Thy power ; let the currents of health flow 
again. Put underneath Thy everlasting 

48 



THE QUIET HOUR. 49 

arms to strengthen in weakness, to soothe in 
pain, to banish fear. Give submission to 
Thy will. Grant a serene trust in Thy 
love, an unwavering faith that all afflictions 
will work together for our good. May we 
not wish to choose our own lot, or repine at 
Thy dealings with us, but commit all our 
ways unto Thee, saying, It is the Lord, let 
Him do as seemeth Him good. 

May we feel more constantly the uncer- 
tainty of life, and know that this world is 
not our home. May we use all Thy gifts 
thankfully, never setting our hearts on them, 
nor murmuring at their withdrawal. And 
may we by all Thy dealings with us, in pros- 
perity and trial, in joy and sorrow, be pre- 
pared for a better life in heaven, and receive 
at last the crown given to faithful servants. 
We ask and offer all, in Jesus' name. 
Amen. 

4: 



PRATER IN BEREAVEMENT. 

God, the Father of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Father of mercies and the God 
of all comfort, have mercy upon me, and 
hear my prayer. Thou hast laid Thy hand 
upon me, and I am sore afflicted. The 
stroke of death has fallen, and my heart is 
desolate. It is easy to say, ''The Lord 
gave," and render thanks. It is harder to 
say, ''The Lord hath taken away," blessed 
be His name. 

But I would not rebel against Thy de- 
cree, nor doubt Thy love. In faithfulness 
hast Thou afflicted me, and I shall yet 
praise Thee for the light of Thy countenance. 
I acknowledge Thy sovereignty, Thy right 
to' take away, no less than to give. I have 
received constant good at Thy hand, and 
shall I repine at evil ? I pray for entire 

50 



THE QUIET HOUR. 51 

submissioiij I pray for grace to feel that 
loss may be turned to gain, and affliction to 
blessing. 

I do not ask that the rod be taken away, 
but that by the discipline I may be made 
more heavenly-minded. Thou leadest the 
blind by a way they know not. Lead me 
whither and how Thou wilt, grant me only 
Thy presence in my heart, and the assurance 
of Thy love. Then, though Thou slayest 
me, I will trust Thee. My Saviour was 
made perfect through suffering, and I will 
not shrink from the cup put to my lips. 

May heaven be more in my thoughts, 
because loved ones are there. With treas- 
ures laid up above, may my heart be there 
also. Sanctify every affliction, that my 
hold on earth may be loosened, and my 
soul rise to Thee, and to eternal things. If 
I have had idols in my heart hitherto, and 
loved Thy gifts more than Thyself, I pray 
for pardon, and for grace in future to love 
Thee supremely, and to 'find my highest 
life in thoughts of Thee and in Thy service. 



52 THE QUIET HOUR. 

This life, Grod, is full of changes, and I 
know not what a day may bring forth. But 
Thou art the same, yesterday, to-day. and 
forever ; Thy years change not. May I 
trust in Thee with filial confidence ; and 
stay myself on Thee in time of trouble, and 
through all tribulations wilt Thou bring 
me at last to that world of glory, where 
there shall be no more sin, and no more 
death and sorrow ; and to Thy name shall 
be all the glory, through Christ, my Re- 
deemer. Amen. 




THE LAST DAT OF THE YEAR. 

Thou King, eternal, immortal, and in- 
visible, hear my prayer ! Through another 
year my life has been preserved, while mul- 
titudes better than I, and more useful, have 
been called away. My race must soon be 
run ; may I pursue it with patience, and 
finish my course with joy, and receive a 
crown at last. So teach me to number my 
days, that I may apply my heart unto wis- 
dom. 

The year has been filled with Thy good- 
ness, and Thy paths have dropped fatness. 
Thy mercies have been new every morning 
and fresh every evening. Thy power has 
kept me in being, Thy providence has led 
me. Thy word has been a lamp unto my feet, 
and Thy Spirit has put gladness in my 
heart. I have had sweet fellowship with 
Thy people, and Thou hast led me to Thy 

53 



54 THE QUIET HOUR. 

banqueting-house, where Thy fruit has been 
sweet to my taste. Truly, I can say, Re- 
turn unto thy rest, my soul, for the Lord 
hath dealt bountifully with thee. 

But I have made poor returns for Thy 
loving-kindness. I have often forgotten or 
distrusted Thee. In times of trial I have 
doubted and murmured. In seasons of pros- 
perity I Lave said, I shall never be moved. I 
have followed Jesus afar off. I have borne 
little fruit to Thy glory, and done little to 
extend Thy kingdom among men. I have 
been but a barren tree, or an unprofitable 
servant. Have mercy upon me, God, 
according to Thy loving-kindness. Wash 
me thoroughly from my iniquities and 
cleanse me from my sins. Fill me to-night 
with the peace and joy of pardon, and with 
the assurance that grace shall one day bring 
me off conqueror over all sin. 

Let not the year, I beseech Thee, be 
wholly lost. I have had longings for a 
holy life; let them not be in vain. I have 
struggled against inward sin and outward 



THE QUIET HOUR. 55 

temptation ; grant victory to my weakness. 
I have seen wondrous things out of Thy law, 
and been lifted above the earth in hours of 
prayer. Let me love Thy word more, and 
learn how to wrestle and prevail at the 
mercy-seat. I have sought to lead some 
sinners to Thee ; may they find the way, and 
become Thy disciples. 

Bless all the labors of Thy people. Clothe 
Thy word with power, and hasten the time 
when the kingdoms of this world shall be 
the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, 
and He shall reign forever and ever ; and to 
Thy name be all the praise. Amen. 




^ PRATER rOR NEW YEAR'S DAT. 

God, help me to begin this new year 
with Thee. The past year has been filled 
with mercies, and they call for praise and 
love. Thou hast fed and clothed me ; hast 
kept me at home and abroad ; hast delivered 
me in peril, and restored me in sickness; 
*hast forgiven my sins, and filled my soul 
with gladness. In affliction Thou hast com- 
forted me ; in despondency Thou hast re- 
vived my hope. I would offer to-day devout 
thanksgiving for Thy goodness, and conse- 
crate my life anew to Thy service. 

Have me in Thy holy keeping during the 
year to come. I know not what awaits me ; 
but unto Thee I commit my steps. I would 
not choose my way, but rejoice that a wise 
and loving Father leads me, according to 
an eternal plan. If great trials are at hand, 

56 



THE QUIET HOUR. 57 

I would not murmur, but pray only for 
great grace to bear them. If losses impend, 
of fortune, or friends, or a good name among 
men, may I find a recompense in the riches 
of Thy love, and in closer communion with 
Thee. If success attends me, and worldly 
prosperity comes in like a flood, may I never 
put my trust in uncertain riches, or set my 
affections on things below. May all wealth, 
with my heart, be given to Thee. If special 
temptations assail from within or without, 
grant divine succor to overcome. May I 
grow in the knowledge of Thy word; in 
power in prayer ; in zeal in Thy service ; in 
usefulness among men. May my character 
bear witness for Thee, and my tongue speak 
Thy praise. 

May my friends abide in Thy love, and 
have a share in Thy great salvation. For- 
give my enemies, and fill me with that divine 
charity which thinketh no evil, but returns 
good for ill. 

Do good in Thy good pleasure unto Zion. 
Send abroad Thy light and truth over the 



58 



THE QUIET HOUR. 



whole earth. Convert the nations ; gather 
in Thy people, and inspire all hearts with 
love for Jesus. Thou, who reignest in 
heaven, reign also on earth, subduing all 
enmity and restraining all evil ; and unto Thy 
name shall be the praise forever. Amen. 




PBATER BEFORE A JOUE.FET. 

Thou omniscient and omnipresent God, 
be pleased to hear my prayer. It is not in 
man that walketh to direct his steps. I ac- 
knowledge my entire dependence on Thee, 
and beseech Thee to be my Keeper and my 
Guide. 

At home or abroad I am under Thy eye, 
and led by Thy hand. I am safe in the 
midst of dangers, if Thou keepest me. As 
I go from home to-day, to be absent for a 
season, I implore Thy protection. Guard 
me from dangers seen and unseen ; from 
the pestilence that walketh in darkness 
and the destruction that wasteth at noon- 
day. Let no accident occasion loss of life 
or limb. 

Wherever I go, may Thy presence go 
with me, to fill me with devout thoughts, 

59 



60 THE QUIET HOUR. 

and enable me to resist all temptation. May 
I not forget my appointed seasons of prayer, 
nor neglect the reading of Thy word, nor 
the worship of Thy house. May the beauty 
of Thy works fill my heart with adoration 
of Thy power and goodness. May Thy 
providential c^re awaken gratitude and love. 
May intercourse with Thy people give me 
larger views of Thy grace, and quicken my 
zeal in Thy service. May absence from 
home, for business or recreation, strengthen 
my piety. 

Be pleased to watch over the loved ones 
left behind, that no evil befall them. May 
they dwell in safety, because He that never 
slumbers nor sleeps is their Gruardian. 

Hear my prayer for all people and all 
lands. Let the darkness that covers the 
earth be scattered. Let the worshippers of 
idols turn to the true and living God. Let 
all false religions give place to the truth as it 
is in Jesus. Oh, hasten the day when there 
shall be no more sin on earth, but all people 
shall know the Lord, and all nations shall 



THE QUIET HOUR, 



61 



serve Him. All these great blessings I ask 
in the name of Jesus Christ, my Saviour. 
Amen. 







FOR A BIRTHDAY. 

Thou, that leadest Joseph like a flock, 
I adore that providential care that has 
brought me safely through another year. 
In Thee I live and move. From Thee, the 
Father of lights, cometh down every good 
and perfect gift. The life, that Thou hast 
spared, belongs to Thee, and I would con- 
secrate it to Thy service. 

God, Thou art forever the same, and 
Thy years have no end. But my years are 
fast passing away ; and soon I must go the 
way whence I shall not return. Much of my 
life has been spent to little purpose. Its rec- 
ord fills me with shame and regret, so full 
of vain longings, of worldly ambitions, of 
repinings at my lot, of rebellion against Thy 
will. I have turned away from the fountain 
of living waters, and sought to drink at 

broken cisterns. I have said in my heart 

62 



THE QUIET HOUR. 63 

God is a hard Master : His yoke is heavy, 
and His service a restraint. This my way, 

God, has been my folly. I see it, and 
confess it with sincere penitence. 

The remnant of life I would give to Thee. 
Help me to walk before Thee with a perfect 
heart. May I submit without a murmur to 
Thy will, and obey with gladness all Thy 
commands. Help me to pray without ceas- 
ing, to meditate on Thy word all the day, 
and love it more than my daily food. May 
my heart be pure, my conduct upright, and 
my lips without guile. May I never go with 
the multitude to do evil, or forget God, my 
Maker. 

Help me to take the example of Jesus 
as my model. May I imitate Him in mak- 
ing it my meat and drink to do Thy will. 
May I, like Him, go about doing good. May 

1 sympathize with the afflicted, be patient 
with the froward, and lift up the fallen. 
May I be a companion of all them that love 
Thee, and have my delight in the saints, 
the excellent of the earth. May I love the 



64 THE QUIET HOUR. 

habitation of Thy house and the place where 
Thine honor dwelleth, and prize Jerusalem 
above my chief joy. Help me to share in 
those great movements that aim to build up 
Thy kingdom on earth, and to give freely 
of my substance for Christian charities. 

my Father, keep me near to Thee, and 
make this new year memorable for growth 
in grace and for holy service. And when 
my life on earth ends, through riches of 
grace in Christ Jesus, my Lord, take me to 
Thyself in heaven, and I will give Thee 
praise forever. Amen. 




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